Council denies claims of favoritism, auto dealer's appeal

Published 7:00 pm, Tuesday, June 15, 2004

James Lindquist and wife currently own the property at 4646 Spencer Highway; they have been trying to expand their business since October.

"We are not pretty or rich people, and therefore our appeal was denied. But Keith Nielsen, who owns the property right across the street, was granted his appeal," said Lindquist after the denial.

District D Councilman Jack Douglass accused the city council of showing favoritism to one property owner and said that he believed that Dave Benson, city spokesman, was involved in "changing the minds of five members of the city council."

However, District C Councilman Don Harrison said that he believed that there was individual merit in the Nielsen case and that the vote was not based on favoritism.

"This council is filled with intelligent people," said Mayor John Manlove, "and I take offense to comments by Councilman Douglass that this council can be swayed by a staff member."

The city ordinance outlines strict landscaping requirements and states that no auto dealership can reside within 1,000 feet of another auto dealership. However, Nielsen won his appeal because of a grandfather clause added to the ordinance.

After Nielsen won his appeal, Lindquist felt confident that he would also be granted his appeal and would be allowed to sell automobiles. This was not the case.

"We are not happy with this. We are now going to involve the American Civil Liberties," said Lindquist, "It's a restrain of trade. We are your typical mom and pop shop and they are trying to stop us.